Study Notes on Nineteenth Century Agriculture and Handbooks

Thesis Statement

• Often the last sentence of the introduction.
• Clear position to be supported in the paper.

Structure of the Paper

• Organized into four main sections:
  • Historical context of nineteenth-century agriculture.
  • Discussion of three farming handbooks.
  • Research questions for future papers.
  • Importance of the project.

Historical Context

• Changes in daily life due to population growth, transportation, technology, and science.
• Impact on American farmers often overlooked.

Population and Technological Changes

• 1820 census: over 10 million in America, over 2 million in agriculture.
• Transportation improvements (canals, steamboats) enhanced farmers' income.
• Shift from subsistence to commercial farming post-1820.
• Technological advancements sourced from Europe and Native American tribes.

Distribution of New Knowledge

• Before 1820, limited to agricultural almanacs and newspapers.
• Post-1820: Agricultural periodicals expanded knowledge dissemination.
• First continuous agricultural periodical started in 1819 by John S. Skinner.
• Emergence of farming handbooks with C.M. Saxton & Co. as a major publisher.

Farming's Influence on Education

• Increased need for scientific knowledge for effective farming.
• John Lorain emphasized rational technology over erroneous practices.
• Agricultural education integrated into curricula; establishment of agricultural colleges.
• USDA objectives targeted farmers' needs for research, information dissemination, and education.

Conclusion

• Handbooks reflect the influence of science and education on farming practices.
• Consideration of ethos and inclusion of educational elements in farming handbooks.
• Future research on other handbooks could enhance understanding of agricultural education and practices.